Please forgive me for being away for so long. Life took hold of me and wouldn’t let go. I am sure you’ve been there. I am so delighted to bring you this new installment of decadent Chocolate Pleasure. The following is from Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill — Chocolate Lava Cake!

Let me share with you that this appears to be an easy straightforward recipe, but it was tougher than it looked. I try to choose recipes that are approachable and not very intimidating. While this is all those things, the effect of the “lava” is something that can [Read more…]

We’ve been reporting the news, and now I get to share the pics with you! The Wave…of American Flavors in Disney World’s Contemporary Resort has a brand new meal — a breakfast buffet! They’ve been testing it since December, and according to one of the managers I had a chance to speak with, it looks like it’s going to stay. I’m glad to hear it; the buffet is delicious.

Atmosphere and Background
As we know, The Wave focuses on a sustainable menu full of local products. In fact, The Wave was just approved to change their menu every few months — they’re one of the only non-signature restaurants able to do this — so that they can offer an even wider variety of seasonal, local ingredients. I’m looking forward to the updates!

Before we delve into the Snack Series, I wanted to give you a little update on The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-Book! The time is drawing nigh! Be sure you’re signed up for our DFB Newsletter to get all the details when the E-Book is released — including the info about the Reader Discount! As a sneak peek, here are just a few of the extras we’ve got for you in the E-Book:

– An in-depth look at Bars and Lounges in Walt Disney World
— Where to find more interesting kids’ meals
— Sample dining itineraries
— And more!

The Dulce de Leche cupcake is a vanilla cupcake piled high with sweet, creamy caramel frosting. Again, this isn’t the buttery, lard-y frosting you’ll find with the cupcakes over at Starring Rolls Cafe, which automatically makes it [Read more…]

Gingerbread is elevated to an art form in Disney World during the holiday season — literally. While tasty treats do exist for purchase in Disney World bakeries…

…the real draw is to the incredible displays throughout the theme parks and deluxe resorts! I’m excited to share with you this holiday season the amazing edible holiday artwork that has been built in the parks and resorts by many talented Disney Chefs and Cast Members. You saw a little peek of this last week in our showcase of the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House!

And if the World Showcase booths are your destination, we’ve got food pictures, prices, and menus to help you as you plan how to make the most of that stomach space!

Now, on to the Round-Up!

Progress City USA collects another panoply of weird, early 80’s Disney World marketing goodness for us here. The reason why I’m allowed to post it on the round-up is because if you look at the third video, around 6 minutes and 2 seconds in, you’ll see some great footage of the old Top of the World Restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (the ORIGINAL one). But, all in all, you should watch all the videos. And read the commentary. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry.

And don’t forget to check out the awesome posts over on the Disney Blog Carnival! There’s a new one up this week!! Now, on to the round-up!

DisneyGeek, our favorite Disneyland photographer, has some fun photos of the opening days of Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival! (Start at the linked page and click through the next few pages for more pics.)

Finally, don’t forget to head over the DisMarks Disney Blog Carnival for some great reads (30 submissions!!) about your favorite topics! And now, on to the Round-Up!

The Washington Post showcased these videos of the Marshmallow Peeps Diorama competition, two of which show dioramas themed to Disney movies (Winner: “Eep” — a representation of “Up.” Finalist: “The Mad Hatter’s Peep Party” — a representation of “Alice in Wonderland.)!

Designing Disney has an Easter Egg Hunt on his blog… see if you can find ‘em!

Disney has released photos of the Walt Disney Signature dining installation in collaboration with design innovator, Cappellini, for this year’s Dining By Design DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) event in New York City.

In honor of those Disney fans heading to Tent Fest in Walt Disney World this weekend, I got the great suggestion to chat a bit about Disney s’mores!

S’mores on Demand
There are two restaurants that currently have fun s’mores desserts on the menu; the first is more of a kid-friendly version, while the second will satisfy any of our many grown-up marshmallow cravings:

Le Cellier’s colorful s’mores-on-a-stick has been a go-to kids’ dessert for years, and it never fails to impress. “Built” with a graham cracker, chocolate, and ice cream base, the “wow” factor comes with a sprinkle-y marshmallow topping it all off.

Le Cellier Smores Dessert

The 50’s Prime Time Cafe s’mores dessert is a more “gourmet” offering — mostly because they can use a blow torch to make it — but the fun of having those ooey gooey marshmallows arrive on your table [Read more…]

The Disney Food Blog took you to the California Grill back in April 2009, but we’ve returned since then and we’ve got more pics for you!

Located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the California Grill is one of Orlando’s most outstanding restaurants. It’s well known for sushi, wine, market-specific menus, and that fantastic fireworks show that happens right outside!

The Eats
We began this evening with our customary cheese plate (I can’t pass up a good cheese plate!), and California Grill doesn’t disappoint. The cheeses will change seasonally, and usually range from mild and buttery to a strong blue cheese (my favorite is the Monte Enebro, which you’ll find on other Disney World cheese plates as well). You’ll often find a variety of sources as well, from sheep’s milk to goat’s milk to cow’s milk. The plates also come with several sweet accompaniments. As you know, the honeycomb is my absolute favorite, but on this plate the candied nuts and sweet apples also were delicious.

California Grill Cheese Plate October 09

Cheese Plate Listing -- Click for Larger Version

Also for starters, we wanted to sample the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Basil, which is probably one of the most [Read more…]